Keir Starmer received the election by providing hope – now he wants optimism

Keir Starmer won the election by offering people hope so he needs to add a dash of optimism when telling the country things will only get worse before they get better.

This downbeat approach is a risky strategy when, ahead of July 4, the Labour pitch was how life would improve considerably for working people.

Boris Johnson was a liar, but until his exposure as a knave the lesson was that voters warm to upbeat leaders. Studious Starmer, like Gordon Brown before him, dresses in hair shirts. Blaming every problem on beaten opponents is a tried and trusted tactic.

And this Labour government inherited a dire legacy of squeezed living standards, knackered public services, broken justice and immigration systems and a bad Brexit.

But unpopular decisions could haunt Starmer if they are unfair. The backlash over the Winter Fuel Allowance reflects widespread resentment over a surprise, sneaky cut when gas and electricity charges are climbing.

Clearing the path, as one minister tried to explain it, for hefty tax hikes on higher earners and the wealthiest when Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her first Budget on October 30 will not placate pensioners on modest incomes or the country’s very richest.

The importance of Starmer – who has already overtaken Liz Truss on the No10 leader board – staying positive was signalled by Cabinet enforcer Pat McFadden when he promised to ensure progress would be made, if not overnight.

Losing the vision and failing to paint in primary colours where Britain should be in five or 10 years, would be a mistake.

The violent Far Right riots were unexpected, but Starmer received approval for his handling of the racist thuggery.

And from key workers’ pay to clean energy and rail re-nationalisation, the Prime Minister’s team has started well.

It’s why it is vital that the PM keeps the public’s eye on the prize. The mission of long-term gain is worth emphasising over short-term pain.